[Montreal, November 10] — Independent Jewish Voices – Montreal is organizing a Shabbat in Solidarity with Gaza at the Greek Workers Association (5359 avenue du Parc), on November 10, from 4 to 6 PM.
This will be a family-friendly and kid-centric event. It will feature a range of activities for people of all ages and will be free and open to all.
In the Jewish tradition, Shabbat is the holy day of rest where community members come together, to break bread, to sing and to rejoice. However, Shabbat has taken on a somber tone since the October 7th attacks in Israel and subsequent, ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Event organizers intend for this event to be a source of community in these difficult times, as well as an opportunity to stand in solidarity with Palestine and demand a ceasefire. “We are scared, angry, distraught and mournful, but we are not without hope,” Aaron Lakoff of Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) explained. “As Montreal Jews, we stand for Palestinian liberation, and an end to massacres committed in our names. We want to come together as a community in solidarity and to demand a ceasefire and an end to the Israeli siege and blockade of Gaza.”
More than 10,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7 and nearly 4,000 of them are children. Children are experiencing severe trauma from the constant bombardment, their drinking water is polluted or rationed and soon families may not be able to feed them. Half of the population of Gaza are under the age of 18. They have lived their whole lives under siege.
Lakoff continued, “We are holding an intergenerational Shabbat to stand with the people of Palestine in these horrific times. We are very much united in our rage at Israel’s blockade and indiscriminate military aggression in Gaza.”
Event Highlights:
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Kids’ art corner: A dedicated area with art and activities for children. They will be able to make posters, placards and other visuals to either put up at home or bring to an upcoming demonstration.
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Music: Live klezmer music.
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Shabbat Rituals: The community will join together to observe Shabbat rituals. This will include candle lighting, kiddush (blessing-toast for Shabbat), challah, and songs of peace, joy and solidarity.
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Food and Refreshments: Light snacks and refreshments will be available.
Details:
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Date: 10 November
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Time: 4-6 PM
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Location: Greek Workers Association, 5359 avenue du Parc
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Admission: Free and open to the public
The venue is wheelchair accessible. We encourage all attendees to wear masks.
For more information about the Shabbat in Solidarity with Gaza or to arrange interviews with the organizers, please contact Aaron Lakoff, member of Independent Jewish Voices, 514-831-2844, [email protected].
